The US mission in India issued over 1 million nonimmigrant visas to Indians in 2024, marking the second consecutive year of record-breaking numbers. Visitor visa applications surged, with a 26% increase in Indian travelers compared to 2023. Additionally, India became the top sender of international students, with over 331,000 students in the US. Washington plans to establish a US-based H-1B visa renewal program in 2025, benefiting skilled workers. The mission has also streamlined visa processing and reduced interview wait times, further strengthening India-US ties, which the embassy called “a testament to enduring bilateral relations.”

Former Indian PM Manmohan Singh, a key architect of India's 1991 economic reforms, passed away at 92. Global tributes poured in, with The New York Times calling him a “cerebral leader” behind India’s rise as an economic powerhouse. Reuters labeled him a “reluctant prime minister,” acknowledging his integrity and historic reforms. Al Jazeera highlighted his “mild-mannered technocrat” persona. Singh once said, “History will be kinder to me than contemporary media.” The US State Department praised him as a “champion of the US-India strategic partnership.” His 10-year leadership and economic vision remain pivotal in India’s modern history.

Former Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, aged 92, passed away due to age-related issues. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called him "one of the greatest champions of the US-India strategic partnership." Afghan ex-President Hamid Karzai stated, "India has lost one of its most illustrious sons." Canadian ex-PM Stephen Harper praised Singh’s "exceptional intelligence and integrity," while Maldivian ex-President Mohamed Nasheed said, "He was a delight to work with, like a benevolent father figure." Known as the architect of India's economic reforms, Singh’s legacy profoundly shaped global relations and domestic growth.

Recent changes in visa policies in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Germany are making Indian students rethink their study destinations. Key factors such as work opportunities, ease of visa rules, and immigration pathways are now crucial. The US has seen a drop in applications due to stricter regulations, while the UK’s new dependent policies have caused concern. Canada faces a decline in enrollments, and Australia has capped student numbers for 2025. Germany is gaining popularity with relaxed requirements. Students now focus more on long-term work prospects after graduation when choosing their study destinations.

China has approved the construction of the world's largest hydropower dam on the Yarlung Zangbo river in Tibet. The dam is expected to generate over 300 billion kilowatt hours of electricity, more than three times the capacity of the Three Gorges Dam. While China claims the project will aid its carbon goals, India and Bangladesh have expressed concerns about its impact on water supplies and the environment downstream. India, especially, fears potential flash floods and water scarcity, with the river flowing into its northeastern states and Bangladesh.

An NRI’s viral post on X criticizes an Indian family for loud behavior aboard a Finland train from Lapland to Helsinki. User Gokul described the family speaking loudly in Hindi with their cabin doors open, disrupting the "ultra-quiet" atmosphere. He lamented, "Indians lack civic sense." The post triggered mixed reactions. Some agreed, citing similar experiences, while others urged Gokul to address the issue directly. Critics highlighted that other nationalities can also be noisy, with one stating, "Noise isn’t exclusive to Indians; check the London Underground on weekends." The debate continues to trend online, sparking discussions on public etiquette abroad.

Canada has introduced significant changes to its Express Entry system, affecting Indian professionals seeking permanent residence. From spring 2025, Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for job offers will be removed to curb immigration fraud. Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, said the move aims to prevent misuse of labour market impact assessments while still attracting skilled talent. Current PR applicants or those with existing invitations remain unaffected. Additionally, flagpoling at border points, previously used for immigration services, has been discontinued. This overhaul could impact thousands of skilled workers and students pursuing opportunities in Canada.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is investigating Canadian colleges accused of facilitating the trafficking of Indian nationals into the United States. The probe, initiated after a tragic 2022 incident where a Gujarat family died attempting to cross the Canada-US border, highlights illegal student visa misuse. The investigation has revealed a network involving 112 Canadian colleges, 1,700 agents in India, and 25,000 students trafficked annually. ED has frozen assets and conducted searches in multiple cities, uncovering links between Canadian institutions and the trafficking operation, with two men convicted for their role in the smuggling ring.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is investigating a human trafficking racket involving Canadian colleges. Indians were reportedly lured and charged ₹55-60 lakh each to enter the US illegally via Canada. The probe began after a Gujarat family froze to death at the US-Canada border in 2022. ED raided locations in Mumbai, Nagpur, Gandhinagar, and Vadodara, suspecting two entities of helping students obtain Canadian visas under false pretenses. Over 260 Canadian colleges are linked to the scam. Instead of attending classes, students crossed the border illegally. The investigation is ongoing to uncover the extent of the racket.

A local Afghan staffer at the closed Indian Consulate in Jalalabad, Afghanistan, sustained minor injuries in an incident, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Indian authorities are in contact with their Afghan counterparts and awaiting further details. India had shut the consulate in 2020, though it continues humanitarian efforts in Afghanistan. Partnering with UNODC, India has supplied over 50,000 MT of wheat, medical aid, and earthquake relief. The Indian Embassy in Kabul operates with a technical team focused on aid delivery. India aligns its Afghanistan policy with historical ties and UN resolutions, including UNSCR 2593.